This is the big one. Surely Jota must start given his current form.
Alisson
Trent Williams Gomez Robertson
Henderson
Wijnaldum Thiago
Salah Jota Mane
Phillips and Williams both good in the air, of course, but I think we’d benefit more from Williams’ extra yard of pace (compared to Phillips). If Matip’s fit enough to play then he could come in but would be risky after a lay-off.
Only other question is about Thiago. If he’s fit enough I think he starts as he’ll bring control to the midfield. If not then Jurgen may look to Milner here as a solid option. Keita may be an option as well depending on fitness.
Bench: Adrian, N Williams, Matip/Phillips, (3 of Milner, Jones, Keita, Shaqiri), Firmino
Massive game for them but just another ordinary one for us, would like to see Matip back in with Joe and Thiago fit enough for the bench at least. We have learned how to play without Virgil and keep winning so lets win again
Final week at Melwood, let’s make the best possible preparation and beat this lot!
For me, it’s much more interesting what Klopp goes with in midfield rather than the Bobby/Jota/both question up top.
We don’t have an ideal “3rd” option in midfield at the moment. It’s hard to see Thiago making it for this one, we can only hope he might be on the bench. We’ll see what Klopp picks there or maybe goes 4-2-3-1 with all 4 main attackers.
I think Matip starts for sure if there are no issues until Sunday.
Alisson
Trent - Matip - Gomez - Robertson
Henderson - Wijnaldum - Milner
Salah - Firmino - Mane
Subs - Adrian, Williams, Tsimikas, Shaq, Thiago, Keita, Jota
I would rest Jota, having given Bobby the proverbial kick up the arse, then bring Jota on for the last third of the game, to run at a tired Citeh defence. He also picked up a little knock last night and there might be concerns (Also notice he came off to an ice pack after WHU) as well as I think we will be more effective this way, keeping he and Firmino guessing.
Curtis Jones will be unlucky because he played a really mature game last night but the dictates of the fixture require more experienced heads, but he could still make the bench ahead of Keita.
If Thiago has a chance to play, he should. These are the games where his quality makes the difference. He is a metronome in the middle. Keeps it moving, probing, passing, angles, so good…
Jota for Bobby, form innit… but Bobby is ace and will come again.
Williams at the back, bit of extra pace over Phillips, though the latter very useful against the more bullying Prem teams.
Allison
Trent Williams Gomez Robbo
Wijnaldum Henderson Thiago
Salah Jota Mane